Software and hardware technologies have been evolving at a rapid rate for several decades, and recent advancements have revolutionized the way that couriers manage their operations. Courier software enables logistics businesses to make data-driven decisions with minimal effort, giving fleet managers more time to focus on important strategic decisions. The software brings all available data together in one platform so that fleet managers can quickly recognize problems and implement solutions. It is designed to give managers the best tools available to improve the efficiency of their operations.

Route Planning

Advanced software is transforming how businesses conceptualize route planning to improve efficiency and reduce uncertainty. Modern route planning software integrates with the computer systems of suppliers, couriers, and e-commerce websites to calculate the best route using all available information. This software can connect businesses that need to send shipments with couriers to find mutually beneficial opportunities to reduce costs and save time. Xcelerator integrates with our Interconnect dispatch management software to help couriers capture new business from our partners instantly.

Fleet Management

Attempting to manage an entire fleet of trucks is an arduous challenge for couriers that run large-scale operations. In fact, one of the primary barriers to growth for many carriers is the challenge of coordinating the resources of their entire fleet with minimal overhead costs. Fleet management software uses real-time data about a courier's fleet to ensure that resources are distributed with optimal efficiency. GPS data enables managers to track the progress of their drivers while planning ahead for future actions. The software also leverages a wide range of data, such as vehicle specification databases and historical information, to help decision makers apply the lessons of past experiences to improve the efficiency of their current operations.

Inventory Management

Customers in the modern world have no tolerance for errors because inventory management software has helped to nearly eliminate the possibility of mistakes. In former times, customers would be understanding when companies ran out of inventory or sent packages to the wrong location, but modern customers accept no excuses for inventory handling mistakes. Computer systems enable couriers to track shipments throughout the fulfillment process, and this information can be used to plan ahead for shortages and correct errors in a seamless process. Our software is integrated with inventory management systems so that dock workers can verify shipments to improve accuracy and accountability.

Delivery Software

Keeping track of shipments is a critical aspect of managing a successful courier business. Fleet managers can utilize delivery software that helps to oversee shipments that arrive at a customer's location. Modern courier software uses advanced data about deliveries to help companies learn from past experiences and provide more responsive services. Delivery management software also helps to reduce errors since fleet managers can confirm the arrival of shipments. If a shipment does not arrive at the proper time, fleet managers can take immediate action to implement a solution. Software that helps logistics companies track deliveries is, therefore, critical for success in today's business world.

Change is the only constant of every growing business today. The ability of a business to adapt to these changes determines its success. One of the major changes we have witnessed recently is the evolution of the e-commerce industry. Retail e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to $1.86 trillion in 2016, alone. This figure is estimated to reach $4.48 trillion by 2021.

The boom in e-commerce has also brought new developments for the distribution management system. The flow of products from manufacturers to consumers has been altered significantly, owing to new technological advancements and business processes. Modern distribution systems, which can easily transport goods to the consumer’s doorstep, are increasingly becoming more popular.

Enterprise Applications for Distributors

Until quite recently, distributors had been reluctant to invest in IT. Of course, there was much less to buy, and vendors mostly relied on proprietary technologies. But now, defending their traditional roles and to create new sources of value, distributors are starting to apply enterprise applications in supply chain management to gain a competitive advantage, according to a report titled The e-Changing Face of Wholesale Distribution.

Today, there are courier dispatch management software solutions, designed for same-day, next-day distribution for the e-commerce and warehousing industries. One such application is Xcelarator, Windows-based software that can be operated on Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome on workstations, laptops, mobiles, or tablets. This courier dispatch application includes management and real-time data generation for distribution and cross docking operations, warehousing, on-demand, routed and scheduled work; basically all aspects of the dispatch system, in a nutshell.

Such enterprise applications are helping vendors to control costs, reduce inventory, grow revenue, and improve customer service, in their attempt to defend and expand profit margins.

Logistics and Warehousing

Technology may provide the virtual platform for e-commerce growth, but logistics and warehousing provide the vital physical platform.

Reports suggest that parcel and express delivery has surpassed railroads, making it the second largest logistic option after motor freight. In 2016, spending on package delivery services jumped 10%. The report also stated that cutting-edge technologies have brought new advancements in sectors such as warehousing and parcel delivery. The parcel carriers and warehouses have taken advantage of the ever increasing e-commerce volumes to raise their rates and, hence, have continuously reconfigured their networks to provide faster delivery to consumers.

Warehouses are also being built in proximity to large, dense population centers, to facilitate quick delivery. Earlier, companies used to build these in remote locations to save on rent, but now the next-day delivery criterion is being replaced with a same-day and one-hour delivery, making it imperative for companies to store their products in areas close to the target population.

We can see that while the whole distribution system might be more complex in the future, it sure will be more efficient, benefitting the consumer. Developments in infrastructure and technology, such as solar power, autonomous driving, and energy storage, might even make it cheaper.

With the increasing demands of today’s consumer, the courier industry has become more complex and diverse than ever before. Service providers today are expected to have all the tools and abilities to meet the time critical demands of clients, covering areas like inventory management, vehicle tracking, scheduling, customer portals, and more. To get better insight, companies are investing in highly scalable centralized systems for the management of field services, especially those that offer real-time collaboration. As a result, logistics businesses are benefiting from reduced operational costs and improved enterprise efficiencies.

Courier management software is one of the best tools a business can use to manage field service personnel and fleets. The software automates the scheduling process of both the fleet and drivers, while making the entire process smooth and seamless. But, most importantly, it helps companies reduce their operational costs. Let us take a look at how such software helps.

3 Ways Courier Software Can Reduce Cost

Effective Delivery Management: With courier management software, courier services can anticipate, identify and address issues related to delivery management in real-time, which not only makes the process much easier but also avoids delays and errors in delivery. With the feature of color-coding, communication also gets simplified, with ease of prioritizing and customizing events. Integrated mapping and GPS helps dispatch personnel easily identify pick-ups that might be in queue, while gaining knowledge of the cargo, location, speed and tracking history of every driver in the field at that point in time, says an expert at Key Software Systems.

Improved Communication: Such software also helps by offering a unified database that helps with effective communication, while minimizing chances of misunderstandings and miscommunications. This, in turn, reduces errors, while allowing the administrative personnel to notify field personnel quickly regarding any changes in itinerary or any other aspect of the delivery process, according to an October 2017 article by BCW.

Streamlining Processes: Such software solutions offer courier companies the right tools to maximize resources through the streamlining of operations, as well as to attract new business. With courier software enabling businesses to automate the flow of valuable, time-sensitive and customizable information, what the company gains is greater accuracy, accountability and, therefore, profits.

All these go a long way in helping courier companies save a fortune on operational costs, while also increasing efficiency and their reputation.